Working as a teacher and a forest school leader in the past, one of my favourite things to do was invite children to notice the little details in nature. Whether it’s the pattern of leaves on the ground, the way the light filters through trees, or the sound of birds in the morning—nature has a way of offering invitations that can ground us in the present moment. But somewhere along the way, I realised that I wasn’t taking my own advice. In the midst of the busy demands of work and life, I’d stopped noticing. I’d stopped stepping outside with the same mindfulness I’d encouraged in the children I worked with.
And that’s when I made a commitment to myself.
I decided to take one walk, every single day—no excuses, no matter the weather. I made it part of my routine, a moment to reconnect with nature and, more importantly, with myself. It wasn’t easy at first. As a parent and a professional, the mornings were a scramble—getting the house ready, getting kids out the door, and making sure everyone was set for the day. But I knew that if I didn’t prioritise me, no one else would. So I carved out that time—usually before the chaos began—and committed to just 20 minutes of walking in the fresh air.
I chose two regular routes, both within walking distance from my home. One took me through a nearby woodland, where I could watch the seasons change, observe the changing light, and hear the wind rustle through the trees. The other, a small path that I could follow sneaking behind a row of houses. Both paths were easy to access, but each offered its own form of quiet beauty.
The Benefits of Daily Walks
As I walked each morning, I began to notice the change in myself. At first, the walks felt like just another item on my to-do list. But soon, I found that I was waking up a little earlier, feeling more energised, and noticing things I hadn’t seen before. I could hear the sound of birds in the morning, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the soft breeze brushing past. These weren’t just walks—they were small, grounding rituals that helped me to start each day with intention.
Research has shown that walking in nature has a multitude of benefits:
Improved mental clarity and mood: Studies show that time spent in nature reduces stress and improves cognitive function, giving us a mental reset before we dive into the demands of the day.
Enhanced physical health: A simple walk increases circulation, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts your immune system—all without the need for expensive gym memberships or equipment.
Mindfulness: Walking outdoors allows us to practice mindfulness effortlessly. We’re tuned into our surroundings, breathing deeply, and present in the moment.
A Challenge Worth Taking
The biggest challenge for me wasn’t the weather or the walk itself—it was making that daily walk a non-negotiable part of my routine. As a parent, mornings are always hectic. I’d often face the dilemma of whether I should rush to get the house ready, make breakfast, or take time for myself. But I realised that this time for myself—no matter how short—wasn’t just important for my physical health, it was essential for my mental wellbeing. By committing to these daily walks, I found that I had more energy, felt more centred, and could approach the rest of my day with greater calm and focus.
It wasn’t always easy to get out the door. There were rainy days, early mornings when I just wanted to stay cozy, and weeks when I was exhausted from the demands of work and family. But as I made it part of my routine—before the rest of the world woke up—it became easier. The more I showed up for myself, the more my walks became something I looked forward to rather than dreaded.
Documenting the Journey
Since I started this daily walk practice, I’ve been documenting my journey on social media, sharing my experiences and daily prompts from my nature-inspired journal. I aim to post regularly, sharing insights, photos, and journal activities to help others find their own path to nature and mindfulness. I’ll also be sharing how these small moments in nature have had a profound impact on my well-being and how they can help you, too.
As a special thank you for joining me on this journey, I’m offering a free sample of one activity from my Nature-Inspired Guided Wellbeing Journal available on Amazon. This activity is a simple prompt to help you notice nature’s invitations and reflect on your connection to the outdoors. You can view it [here] and start your own journey of reconnection today or share with someone you care about who you know would benefit. It makes for a great gift!
Join the Community
If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love for you to join me on this journey. You can follow my TikTok feed for more prompts, journal demonstrations, and insights. Let’s build a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to prioritising self-care through nature.
Nature has a unique way of offering us what we need, when we need it. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a burst of energy, stepping outside each day has the power to shift our entire perspective. I hope this journey inspires you to take that first step outside and reconnect with the world around you—and with the most important person of all: you.
Bonus: Remember to access your free sample activity [here]!